[2025 Shanghai Attraction] Travel Guide for Qibao Jiaosi (Updated May)

Qibao Ancient Town Travel Guide Qibao Ancient Town is located in Minhang District, Shanghai, China, about 15 kilometers from the city center. It is a thousand-year-old water town known for its unique Jiangnan water town scenery, traditional folk culture, and rich variety of local snacks. It is a popular tourist destination in the suburbs of Shanghai. Features and Highlights 1. Ancient Bridges and Water Town Scenery Qibao Ancient Town has many historic stone bridges, such as the "Qibao Old Street Bridge" and the "Puhui Bridge." Under the bridges are winding waterways, and along the banks are typical Jiangnan white-walled and black-tiled buildings, perfect for strolling and appreciating the traditional water town scenery. 2. Qibao Old Street The old street is the core area of the ancient town, divided into South Street and North Street. South Street mainly features traditional handicraft shops, while North Street is famous for its food and snacks. The streets are lined with buildings in the Ming and Qing styles. 3. Qibao Old Trades Exhibition Hall This museum showcases traditional Jiangnan handicrafts and old trades (such as blacksmithing, wood carving, and fabric arts), allowing visitors to learn about the history and folk culture of the ancient town. 4. Qibao Temple This thousand-year-old temple was built during the Southern Song Dynasty and is one of the landmarks of the ancient town, with a thriving incense atmosphere. Inside the temple is the towering Qibao Pagoda, from which you can overlook the entire ancient town. 5. Qibao Distillery The ancient town has been famous for its yellow wine since ancient times. The Qibao Distillery showcases traditional brewing techniques, and visitors can taste the local Qibao yellow wine. Must-Try Local Snacks Qibao Ancient Town offers a wide variety of snacks that you must not miss: • Qibao Rice Cake: Soft and sweet traditional rice cake with flavors like red bean paste, osmanthus, and sesame. • Qibao Lamb: Tender and delicious lamb cooked with a unique braising method, especially suitable for winter. • Drunken Snails: Snails braised with yellow wine and Chinese herbs, offering a unique flavor and a classic local snack. • Begonia Cake: A sweet treat similar to egg cake, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. • Tofu Pudding: Served with scallions and soy sauce, savory and delicious, especially warming in winter. Best Time to Visit • Spring (March to May): Cool weather, perfect for strolling around the ancient town. • Autumn (September to November): Comfortable temperatures, ideal for tasting local delicacies. • Winter (December to February): Experience hot lamb and yellow wine, and enjoy the warm atmosphere of the ancient town. Transportation • Metro: Take Shanghai Metro Line 9 to Qibao Station (Exit 2), and walk about 10-15 minutes to reach the ancient town. • Bus: Take bus lines 92, 91, 186, or Hongqiao Hub Line 4, and get off at Qibao Station. • Driving: Navigate to "Qibao Ancient Town Parking Lot," but parking spaces may be tight on holidays, so public transportation is recommended. Travel Tips • It is recommended to visit on weekdays as weekends and holidays can be crowded. • Suitable for half-day or one-day trips. You can visit the ancient town in the morning and other Shanghai attractions like Xintiandi or Tianzifang in the afternoon. • Wear comfortable shoes as the ancient town mainly has stone-paved roads and involves a lot of walking. • Photo spots: The water town bridges, Qibao Temple, and Qibao Distillery are great places to capture the essence of the ancient town. Conclusion Although Qibao Ancient Town is not as large as Zhouzhuang or Wuzhen, it boasts rich Jiangnan water town charm, a long history, and mouth-watering snacks. It is a great short trip destination around Shanghai. If you have limited time in Shanghai and want to experience the traditional ancient town atmosphere, Qibao Ancient Town is definitely worth a visit!

Located in Qibao Ancient Town on the outskirts of Shanghai, Qibao Temple is a Buddhist temple with over 1,000 years of history. It is said to have been founded during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, and has been loved by local people as the center of faith. The symbol of the temple is the Qibao Pagoda, a beautiful tower that rises into the sky. The temple grounds also feature a tranquil garden and ancient stone monuments, allowing you to stroll around while feeling the historical atmosphere. If you visit in addition to sightseeing in Qibao Ancient Town, you will be able to experience Chinese culture and history more deeply. It is the perfect place when you want to calm your mind. #0 yen trip February 2025

🌿Shanghai Qibao Temple is located at No. 1205, Xinzhen Road, Qibao Ancient Town, Minhang District, Shanghai. It was originally the incense temple of Lu Xun, the general of the Eastern Wu Dynasty of the Three Kingdoms, and his descendants Lu Ji and Lu Yun. It was later converted into a Buddhist temple and has a long history. The temple buildings are magnificent and grand, and the architectural style is of the medieval Han and Tang dynasties. The temple was destroyed several times by war and was rebuilt in 2002. During festivals, the temple is full of incense and believers, and is an important temple next to Qibao Town. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and find a place of peace, this is the perfect place. On weekends, don't hesitate to go to Qibao Temple and experience the peace and tranquility of the Buddhist holy land! 📍Detailed address: No. 1205, Xinzhen Road, Qibao Ancient Town, Minhang District, Shanghai 🚉Transportation guide: You can drive to Shanghai Qibao Temple in Minhang District, Shanghai, or take Metro Line 9 to Qibao Station and walk there. 📝Tips: Please respect the local Buddhist culture and customs

Qibao Temple was first built during the Tianfu period of the Later Jin Dynasty in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. It was originally named Lubaoyuan and also known as Fushou Temple. The original site was located at the foot of Lubaoshan Mountain in Songjiang. It was rebuilt in 2000 in the Han and Tang architectural style, simple and elegant, solemn and solemn, with a mountain gate, a bell and drum tower, a Heavenly King Hall, a Daxiong Hall, a Sutra Hall, a Dharma Hall, a Sutra Tower, a Pagoda and a garden. The temple is located at the confluence of the Puhuitang River and the Henglijing River, with a unique view. The exact date of the establishment of Qibao Temple is unknown. According to the "Reconstruction of Qibao Temple Daxiong Hall Stele" written in the 18th year of Wanli in the Ming Dynasty (1590), it is said that "the era of its creation is too far to be traced", and it is only known that it migrated from the Wusong River to this place. There is a saying that: Lu Ji and Lu Yun, the famous literati of Songjiang in the Western Jin Dynasty, were known as the "Two Lu in the Clouds". They were later killed by Sima Ying, the King of Chengdu in Jin Dynasty. The descendants of Lu built a incense fire temple to worship them, named "Lu Bao Temple", and later renamed "Lu Bao Temple". During the Five Dynasties, Qian Liu, the king of Wuyue, once stayed in it, mistook "Lu Bao" for "Six Bao", and gave the golden character written "Lotus Sutra", saying "this is also a treasure". So, it was renamed "Qibao Temple", and the town where it is located was also named "Qibao Town" because of the temple. It can be seen that Qibao Town is another ancient town named after a temple.

Overview of the Temple Qibao Temple is located in Qibao Ancient Town, Minhang District, Shanghai, close to Qibao Old Street. It is surrounded by two rivers, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city and without the noise of tourists. It is a place where people can find inner peace. The summer wind makes the wind chimes on the eaves of the ancient tower jingle, and the sound of the tireless cicadas is like white noise in the world, dispelling worldly troubles. History and daily life of the temple Qibao Temple was first founded during the Western Jin Dynasty, more than 1,700 years ago. It was named Qibao Temple during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, and Qibao Town was also named after the temple. Buddhist ceremonies are held all year round and are open to the public. Even though it rains heavily, it cannot moisten the grass without roots; even though the Dharma is broad, it cannot save those who have no affinity with it. The most prominent building in the temple is the pagoda in the middle, as well as the golden statue of reclining Buddha. The wishing tree is full of red ropes that represent the worldly wishes of mortals, and there is also the main hall for burning incense and worshiping Buddha that can be visited. Different from Zen temples, teaching temples are temples engaged in secular education, so they have places to receive guests. [Vegetarian Department] Provides meals every day, with a minimum price of 15 yuan, and is open from 08:00 to 19:30. 【Zen Tea】You can copy scriptures, play the guqin, and taste tea. The business hours are 09:00-20:30. It is a good place to cultivate your body and mind. Address: No. 1205, Xinzhen Road, Qibao Town, Minhang District, Shanghai, at Qibao Metro Station on Line 9, still in the city. This place is not far from Hongqiao Airport, and many planes are already very close to the ground when they arrive here. From time to time you can see large planes flying over this area. Qibao Temple is not in Qibao Old Street. It is on the other side of the river after crossing the bridge from the old street. There is no noisy sound, it is very quiet and peaceful, which highlights the flavor of a Buddhist temple itself. There are two temples, Nanqibao Temple and Qibaojiao Temple, both of which are free. Nan Qibao Temple is located on the street and is small but beautiful. A small and deep courtyard with ancient trees, a main hall with red walls and yellow tiles, and exquisite Buddha statues. Qibaojiao Temple is grand and solemn. First you pass through a wide and long avenue, then cross a moat-like bridge to reach the gate. Even the gate is straight and tall. The avenue ahead has slogans about the solemnity of the country, which adds a bit of flavor. In Qibaojiao Temple, one can often hear monks chanting sutras together. There was an unprecedented grand occasion before and after the college entrance examination, with parents offering a large number of lanterns for their children to pass the exam. There is a pagoda in the temple. Outside the pagoda, facing the river, there is a large stove for burning paper. What I like most is to sit here, watching others burn incense, looking at the blue sky, the pagoda, the river, and just relaxing. It can relax, calm the mind, help you think, and heal. Finally, you can go for a stroll in the old street. One side of the old street is old, with mostly shops and narrow alleys. When you walk through it at night, you can see the residents making their beds. They live in very old, low-rise houses on the first floor, which is really down-to-earth.